Heat Pumps - Ground Source Heat Pump

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED

Ground source heat pumps operate by taking heat from within the ground by a network of  buried pipes. The pipework is available in a number of configerations depending upon the specific site details. Typical layouts are 

Horizontal collectors - a pipe laid approximatley 1.3m below ground in a continous loop. Typically lengths are  100m of pipe for each 50m2 of floor area.

Vertical collectors/Bore holes. - a pipe laid down bore holes to greater depths, allowing greater ground tempratures to be achieved. Due to the speacilist nature of drilling into the earth to depths in excess of 50m this option is normally only used in areas where space restricts horizontal collectors or other restrictions eliminate air source heat pumps.   

• Ground source heat pumps do not usually need planning permission.

• If you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, you should check with your council.

• If you live in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government announced new planning rules to encourage householders to install renewable energy equipment.
  

• Ground source heat pumps are eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
• (Phase 1) Domestic ground source heat pumps installed since 15 July 2009 will be able to claim £1250/unit
• (Phase 2)The government will consult on the domestic tariffs for the RHI later in 2011, using the commercial tariff as a guide, ground source heat pump rates are 7p/kWh for 23 years
• To qualify you must use an MCS accredited installer
• And your house must be well insulated.
• Use the Energy Saving Trust database to find grants for your local area.